M6 Tool change

Mach3 Mach4 M-code · Mill

Runs the tool change macro for the tool named by T. Mach3 runs M6Start, waits for Cycle Start, then runs M6End. Mach4 runs the m6 Lua script in the profile Macros folder.

Format

T M6

Addresses

Address	What it does
`T`	Tool number, on the same line or earlier

How it works

Non modal.

Example program

G0 G20 G90 G54 G17 G40 G49 G80 (SAFE START, INCH)
M5 M9 (SPINDLE AND COOLANT OFF)
G53 G0 Z0 (Z UP BEFORE CHANGE)
T2 M6 (CHANGE TO TOOL 2)
…

The full 6-line example is in the app. Example is in inch. Check offsets and clearances first.

Watch out for

Mach3 tool change can be set to be ignored on the Config menu, Logic page. Then M6 does nothing and the wrong tool cuts.
The stock macros do not move the machine. Add your own move to a change spot, such as G53 Z0, in the script or the program.
T and M6 do not apply the length. Follow with G43 H.

Related codes

G43 · M100 · M5

M6 on other controls

The same number can mean something different on another control.

Control	Meaning
Fanuc	Tool change
Haas NGC	Tool change
Doosan (Fanuc)	Atc tool change command
DMG Mori MAPPS (Fanuc)	Tool change
Mazak (EIA)	Chuck unclamp (releasing workpiece)
Okuma OSP	Tool Change
Mitsubishi M70 M80	Tool change
Brother Speedio	Tool change
Siemens 840D 828D	Tool change
Heidenhain TNC (ISO)	Tool change
Fagor 8055 8065	Tool change
LinuxCNC Tormach	Tool change
Centroid CNC12 Acorn	Tool change
Hurco WinMax (NC)	Tool change
Fadal	Tool change
Swiss (Citizen Star)	Main chuck close (Citizen)

Every M-code for Mach3 Mach4 in your pocket. The app has the full example programs, search by number or shop word, a line decoder and calculators for tapping, threading and drilling.

Open M6 in the app All Mach3 Mach4 M-codes

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